Whatever happened to journalistic integrity? Not only is this my third consecutive piece about a trade (that will likely not happen), but also my second about the Canucks. After listening to the most recent Winged Wheel Podcast episode, Max Bultman of the Athletic made mention about Quinn Hughes and if Detroit should be holding out for him. Let’s get the big things out of the way: I don’t believe Hughes will get traded this season, I strongly believe Hughes will want to play in New Jersey, and finally, I don’t believe Detroit is an attractive landing spot for any star currently. Simply put, I don’t see Quinn Hughes wanting out of a losing culture to come to the team with the second-longest playoff drought in the NHL. I will also acknowledge my personal jinx, that when I wrote about Detroit bidding for Kaprizov, he was signed borderline a week later. All that aside, let’s humour this because the Mecca of Red Wings writers made mention of it, so I’ll get on it.

Who Could Offer the Most?

Normally, I start off with a player or fit breakdown. If you have watched the NHL over the last five years, you don’t need that. Here’s the TLDR: Hughes makes anyone fit around him and is the second-best defenseman in the NHL by a country mile. But who will have the most assets to acquire Quinn Hughes? This is purely my opinion, but I don’t think any of this is far off. This will be based on the players they could offer and the situation that would make Hughes want to go.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Players: Morgan Rielly, Easton Cowan, Matthew Knies, Simon Benoit, Joseph Woll, and Brandon Carlo. Situation: Eastern Conference, fantastic defensive group with Hughes, supporting cast.

Carolina Hurricanes: Players: Andrei Svechnikov, Logan Stankoven, K’Andre Miller, Alexander Nikishin, 2026 first round pick, 2027 first round pick, Bradley Nadeau. Situation: Metropolitan Division, cup contenders, lower-pressure market.

New Jersey Devils: Players: Dawson Mercer, Dougie Hamilton, Simon Nemec, Seamus Casey, 2026 first round pick, 2027 first round pick. Situation: PLAYS WITH HIS BROTHERS, cup contenders, lower-pressure market.

Los Ángeles Kings: Players: Alex Laferriere, Brandt Clarke, Trevor Moore, 2026 first round pick, 2027 first round pick, Liam Greentree. Situation: Fantastic city, solid team.

St. Louis Blues: Players: Jordan Kyrou, Dylan Holloway, Pavel Buchnevich, 2026 first round pick, 2027 first round pick, Justin Carbonneau, Otto Stenberg, Adam Jiricek. Situation: Genuinely no idea.

Utah Mammoth: Players: J.J. Peterka, 2026 first round pick, 2027 first round pick, Caleb Desnoyers, Daniil But, Tij Iginla, Maverick Lamoureux. Situation: Young and promising, new franchise to dominate, Hughes elevates them to a contender.

Washington Capitals: Players: Connor McMichael, Ryan Leonard, Rasmus Sandin, 2026 first round pick, 2027 first round pick, Andrew Cristall, Ivan Miroshnichenko, Ilya Protas, Lynden Lakovic, Cole Hutson. Situation: Good future and present, contenders with Hughes, Metropolitan Division.

Detroit Red Wings: Players: Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, Emmitt Finnie, 2026 first round pick, 2027 first round pick, Sebastian Cossa, Trey Augustine, Max Plante, Carter Bear, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. Situation: Eastern Conference, Michigan ties, fits the timeline, elevates Detroit to a contender.

So Which Team Offers the Best Package:

Realistically, I don’t see the Maple Leafs, Kings, or Blues being able to give up the right mix of those assets to make it happen. I do think if the Leafs were to make a package with Knies, Cowan, and Woll, it would be compelling, but ultimately, unlikely they would do it. The Hurricanes have not been gun-shy the past few seasons, and I could see them giving an elite package, same with Washington, although they would probably like to keep building through their incredible pipeline. Utah probably would be too reliant on futures, and it also doesn’t get him closer to his brothers. He has personal connections to Detroit and New Jersey, and while Detroit could offer the better package, he might force his way to New Jersey. I do think Carolina is again the front-runner on purely assets, but Detroit is up there.

Mock Trade:

Detroit Receives: Quinn Hughes

Vancouver Receives: Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Marco Kasper, Trey Augustine, Max Plante, 2026 first round pick

With this, Detroit likely becomes one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL. Their defensive group would be dangerous with Hughes, Seider, and Edvinsson. Their offence would be fine in the long run as they still have Danielson and Bear to fill the centre holes. Buchelnikov and MBN will be fine wingers as well, and they would finally be a free agent destination. Not to mention their goaltending outlook would be strong too with Cossa and Postava. All in all, no, I don’t believe that Detroit will ever see Quinn Hughes in a Red Wings uniform. But if it becomes available, I do think they will be competitive. Just don’t get your hopes up; a family reunion is still the most likely result.

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